87. The Star That Always Stays

The Star That Always Stays. Anna Rose Johnson. 2022. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I'm standing before the castle-like structure of Boyne City High School, staring at its gleaming windows, my heart filling with the anticipation of beginning the journey into higher education. 

Premise/plot: The Star That Always Stays is historical fiction set circa 1914/1915. It very roughly follows the protagonist's first year of high school. It is very much a coming of age novel. Norvia Nelson, our protagonist, is processing a LOT. Her father is long gone; her mother is remarrying after their divorce; she'll have new step-siblings; she'll be in a new house; she'll be starting high school...and she's Ojibwe. (Or half-Ojibwe). Perhaps because of how her father cruelly used their heritage against them in arguments (he was verbally abusive) perhaps because of the times, Norvia's mother has asked all of her children to keep their native heritage hush-hush. 

At first Norvia is hesitant and skeptical of "Uncle Virgil" and her new step-brother, Vernon. She's worried that her mother is being foolish and naive. That this rushed marriage is a big, big mistake. They come from two different worlds after all. But slowly and surely over the course of an entire year, Norvia changes her mind. 

My thoughts: The Star That Always Stays is an incredibly slow novel that is character-driven. Don't expect action, adventure, or excitement. The most excitement you can expect (and do expect it!) is when Norvia discovers a new book to love, a new character to emulate or admire. She's a sensible character not prone to dramatic hysterics. She does have a younger sister (Dicta) that is an absolute HOOT. She's a scene-stealer for sure. But this is a quiet-book with a quiet-heroine with subtle themes and tones.

I didn't fall for this novel from the start. I did think it was a bit slow. But somewhere in the middle, well, I can't even explain when or where or how, I realized that I was in love with this book. 

I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved the slow-build relationship between Norvia and her stepfather....and her slow-build relationship with her step-brother. (The other step-siblings are older and married. And they don't enter into the story as much.)

The book is based on the author's own family history. 

Quotes:

"But you have to realize that life does change. Things will be different, always. There's only one thing you can control."
"What?" Norvia murmured.
"The way you handle those changes. You're in complete control of yourself and how you adjust and respond. And," said Uncle Virgil, breaking off and smiling, "there is Someone on whom you can always rely--completely. He will never fail you. Christmas is a good time to remember that Jesus is always there for us, caring for us."

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews